CSBSJU - Key Persons
Abbot Douglas Mullin, OSB, made his solemn profession as a monk of Saint John's Abbey in 1992. He was ordained a priest in 2007. He has a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, Master of Arts in religious education and school administration, a Master of Divinity, and a doctor of education in educational leadership. He has taught and served as a principal at the elementary school level. He also taught and served as a dean of students at a college prep school. In higher education, Fr. Doug taught and served as department chair in the CSB+SJU Education Department and served as the SJU vice president of student development. He has also served as the subprior of Saint John's Abbey and currently serves as a chaplain at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. He was elected the twelfth abbot of the Abbey in January 2024.
Br. Aelred earned his bachelor's degree from University of Dallas and currently serves as publisher of Give Us This Day at Liturgical Press. He was a Class A Member (SJU Corporate Member) from 2012-18; SJU Faculty Resident, 2014-21; and co-director of the SJU Benedictine Living-Learning Community through SJU Residential Life 2014-20. He also served for eight years as a member of the board of trustees for Hill-Murray School, Maplewood, Minnesota. Br. Aelred professed solemn vows to Saint John's Abbey in 2011. He enjoys baking, cooking, spinning and knitting.
Job Titles:
- Director of International Admission
Territory: Guam, Puerto Rico and all international (F-1) students worldwide and U.S. students living abroad
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the President, General Counsel and Common Boards
Anna Arens
Assistant to the President, General Counsel and Common Boards
320-363-5505
aarens002@csbsju.edu
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Admission & Financial Aid
Morgan retired in 2016 as president and chief operating officer of Polaris Industries Inc. He joined Polaris in 1987, and led in various marketing, product development, operations and management roles before becoming president in 2005. Morgan earned a bachelor's degree from SJU and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management. He and his wife Sharon have three children and live in Excelsior, Minnesota.
Brian McGrane has spent his entire career in the investment and wealth management, insurance and banking industries. He currently serves as an independent board director of Thrivent Financial. McGrane graduated from SJU with a bachelor's degree in accounting and earned his CPA. Brian and his wife Katy Deignan McGrane ('93) live in Bloomington, Minnesota. They have four children, including a Bennie and a Johnnie.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Chief Investment Officer for BMO Family Office
Carol Morrow Schleif is the deputy chief investment Officer for BMO Family Office where she leads the team of fiduciary portfolio managers focused on bringing a full suite of services to aid the Bank's Ultra High Net Worth Clients in the creation and management of complex multi-generational portfolios. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in business and equestrian science from William Woods University, and an MBA from Hamline University. Schleif and her husband Steven Schleif live in Buffalo, Minnesota. They have four children.
Cheryl Stanton - Chief Legal Officer, Secretary
Job Titles:
- Corporate Secretary
- General Counsel
Corie Barry began her career with Best Buy Co., Inc. in 1999 and is currently the company's chief executive officer. She previously served on the CSB alumnae board and delivered the 2017 CSB commencement address. Barry graduated from CSB summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and management, and later earned a CPA certificate. Barry and her husband Martin, an SJU alumnus, have two children and live in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Br. Dan joined Saint John's Abbey as a monk in 2006. He has degrees in computer science, pastoral ministry, and higher education administration from Saint John's University and the University of San Diego. He has served in multiple roles at CSBSJU, including in athletics, student activities, and residential life. He currently serves as Abbot's Secretary.
Dan Whalen is currently a partner in HTEC Group, a hardware and software development company and is the former Chair of Great Place to Work Institute. Dan also founded or co-founded several telecommunications related firms. Dan chaired the SJU Regents from 2004-06 and was SJU's Interim President in 2008-2009. He chaired one SJU capital campaign and co-chaired another. Whalen received a bachelor's degree from SJU, an MBA from Stanford University, an AM from Stanford University's Food Research Institute, as well as an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from SJU. He lives in Oakland, California, with his wife, Katharine.
Job Titles:
- Retired Senior Vice President and President, U.S. Market / Medtronic, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota
David Roberts had been employed in various roles at Medtronic, Inc. since 1984, and retired as the senior vice president and president, U.S. Market in July 2023. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University, and his MBA from the University of Notre Dame. Roberts and his wife Susan live in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. They have three daughters, all of whom graduated from Saint Ben's. Two of their three sons-in-law graduated from Saint John's University.
Job Titles:
- Member at Saint John 's University
Br. Dennis has been a faculty member at Saint John's University since 1995, having taught previously at Pennsylvania State University and Saint John's Preparatory School. He has been active as a faculty resident at Saint John's University, as chair of the Justice and Peace Committee of Saint John's Abbey, and with Latino-Latin American issues both in Central Minnesota and in Central America. Br. Dennis professed monastic vows to Saint John's Abbey in 1982. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, cycling, cooking and rooting for the Chicago Cubs.
Dr. Mary Dombovy is a physician specializing in neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation. She is employed at Rochester Regional Health System in Rochester, New York, as both chair and vice president of Neurosciences Service Line. She is also vice president of neurosurgery, neurology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Rochester Regional Health. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the College of Saint Benedict in 1977, and a medical degree from Mayo Medical School 1981. Dombovy completed her internship in internal medicine from the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in 1981. She was a Neurology Resident at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in 1985, and a rehabilitation medicine resident at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1987. She earned a Master of Health Systems Administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2001. Dombovy lives in Webster, New York, and has three adult children.
Job Titles:
- Retired from the Role of Chief Executive Officer
Edgar "Chip" Ray recently retired from the role of chief executive officer of Catamaran, a construction and maintenance company serving the hydrocarbon and energy sectors. Prior to joining Catamaran, he was president of CB&I's Capital Services operating group from 2013-17. He earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from SJU and an MBA from Duke University. Ray and his wife Brenda Ann Zimmerman Ray '82 live in The Woodlands, Texas, and Woodland, Minnesota. They have three children, one of whom is an SJU alumnus.
Job Titles:
- Chief Admission and Strategic Enrollment Officer
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Public Affairs at NewPublica
Edwin Torres serves as vice president of public affairs at NewPublica, LLC where his strategic expertise is instrumental in shaping effective political initiatives. An accomplished political strategist, Torres has a proven track record in successful electoral and issue campaigns spanning local, state and national levels. He has been recognized by national organizations for his work and commitment to helping others and his DACA story has been featured in various publications including the New York Times.A 2016 graudate of Saint John's University, Torres is pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Fr. Nickolas earned a BA from the University of Notre Dame, an MA and MDiv from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, and a license and doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome. He has been a full-time faculty member at Saint John's University since 2016, having adjuncted in a theology department before he left for graduate studies and previously taught at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa. He serves as a faculty resident at Saint John's University and provides occasional weekend sacramental ministry at area parishes. Fr. Nickolas professed monastic vows in 2007 and was ordained a priest in 2002. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, cycling, and the occasional film.
Greg Soukup is a retired Ernst & Young partner. He is chairman of Warrior Mfg., LLC, a metal fabrication firm in Hutchinson, Minnesota, that he owns with his brother. He graduated from Saint John's University and holds law degrees from the University of Minnesota and Georgetown University. Soukup is a past member of the SJU Alumni Association. He and his wife, Mary Jo Carr, have homes in Naples, Florida, and Plymouth, Minnesota.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Asset Management Administration at Thrivent
- Vice President, Asset Management Administration
Gretchen Agee is vice president of asset management administration at Thrivent, a Fortune 500 diversified financial services organization, where she has worked since 2013. Agee has an MBA from the University of Minnesota and a law degree from the University of Virginia. Agee previously practiced law as an attorney at Dorsey and Whitney and as a law clerk to the Chief Judge of the Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. She served on the board at Saint John's Preparatory School from 2006-16. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner With Prairie Coast Strategies
Jona Van Deun is Managing Partner with Prairie Coast Strategies, LLC advising clients on grassroots, government & public affairs, and large event logistics/production projects around the country. Prior to her current position, she worked for nearly two decades in various roles in government relations and public affairs. She most recently served as President of the Nebraska Tech Collaboration (NTC) within the Aksarben Foundation. Van Deun graduated from CSB with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and communications. She is the past secretary of the CSB Board of Trustees. She and her husband Bryan live in Omaha, Nebraska, with their two children.
Joy Plamann has been employed in various roles within CentraCare - St. Cloud Hospital since 1994. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a HealthCare MBA from the University of St. Thomas, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Health Systems and Executive Leadership. Joy is a member of many associations across the healthcare profession and currently serves on the Quiet Oaks Hospice House Board and is the Co-Chair of the Leaders in Giving Cabinet for the United Way.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- CEO and President of Stearns Bank
Kelly Skalicky is the CEO and President of Stearns Bank in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She practiced law in Minneapolis, Chicago and New York before joining the banking industry. Since 2004, Skalicky has served on the board of directors and as president for CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital's Clara's Foundation, which seeks to improve the lives of women and children struggling with mental health and addiction. Skalicky received her bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota and her Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law.
LeAnne Stewart has more than 30 years of multi-industry finance experience and leading transformational change. She graduated from CSB with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and earned her MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. In 2012, she received the Sister Emmanuel Renner Award for her service to Saint Ben's as a leader, steward and volunteer.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for SPS Commerce
Lynn Myhran is the senior vice president, chief human resources officer and chief administrative officer for SPS Commerce in Minneapolis. Prior to joining SPS in 2020, she was an executive at Optum, the health services business of UnitedHealth Group. She is a seasoned human resources executive with over 30 years of global experience. She has served Saint Ben's as a reunion ambassador and as a past class reunion volunteer. She graduated from CSB with a Bachelor of Arts in management. Myhran and her husband Anders live in Orono, Minnesota.
Job Titles:
- Director of Engineering & Facilities / Metropolitan
- Director of Engineering and Facilities at the Metropolitan Council / Metro Transit
Marilyn Porter is the director of engineering and facilities at the Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in architectural studies from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Science degree in construction management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and an MBA from St. Thomas University. Porter and her husband Roderic Bolen live in St. Paul, Minnesota, and have one son.
Mary Reuter received a bachelor's degree from CSB and a doctorate from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She served as a professor of theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University from 1981-2014, serving as chair of the department from 1983-89. Upon her retirement from teaching, she was given the honor of professor emerita in theology. Reuter also served as prioress of Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota, from 1989-95.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Admission
Job Titles:
- President / Lurie Wealth Advisors, LLC
- President of Lurie Wealth Advisors
As president of Lurie Wealth Advisors, Michele Martin oversees the design and delivery of integrated wealth management and financial solutions for business owners, executives and their families. Prior to joining Lurie, she gained extensive financial services and managerial experience with over 25 years in the banking industry. She received a bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science from Gustavus Adolphus College and an MBA from Drake University. She and her husband, Bob, live in Plymouth, Minnesota. Their two sons graduated from SJU.
Nina Lasceski, OSB, works in mission advancement at Saint Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, Minnesota. She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts degree in pastoral ministry from Assumption University in Canada. Before entering religious life, she worked in broadcasting, the call center industry, and as a commissioned lay minister. She is a member of the Great River Chorale in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Admission
Paul Nakasone '86, a four-star general, assumed his last assignment as Commander of the U.S. Cyber Command and Director of National Security Agency. He has held command and staff positions across all levels of the Army with assignments in the United States, the Republic of Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. Prior to assuming his last assignment, Paul served as Chief of U.S. Army Cyber Command, and twice as a staff officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A Saint John's University graduate with a degree in economics, Paul received his commission in the Army through the University's ROTC program. In addition, he holds graduate degrees from the U.S. Army War College, the National Defense Intelligence College and the University of Southern California.
S. Karen Rose, OSB was born in the northwest of England. Prior to her election as Prioress, S. Karen served as director of mission advancement at Saint Benedict's Monastery. As she was growing up, she grew to love the arts and humanities and considered a career in ancient and modern languages, but as she went off to pursue higher education, she decided to study philosophy and theology in the hope of finding the meaning of life. When she didn't find it, she felt called to do something that would help ease the suffering of humanity. That call ultimately led her to move into the field of health care. She holds a bachelor's degree and master's degree in philosophy and theology from Oxford University, a doctorate in nursing from the University of Manchester, as well as other degrees and certificates.
Job Titles:
- Owner
- Writer, Editor and Communications Director
Sandy Pfefferle Forster has held numerous positions as a writer, editor and communications director before launching her promotional branding company, little pepper promotions, in November 2009 in Minneapolis. Forster and her husband David (SJU '83) live in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Forster's three sons, her three brothers, and her sister all graduated from CSB or SJU.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Admission - Chicago Regional
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Enrollment Marketing
Scott Becker earned a bachelor's degree in history from SJU, a master's degree at the University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctor at William Mitchell College of Law. He is a founder and advisory partner at Northstar Capital, where he previously served as managing partner. Becker also has experience in investment management, corporate development and small business loan origination. He and his wife Julie live in North Oaks, Minnesota. Two of their children graduated from CSB+SJU.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American Benedictine Academy
Sister Ann Marie Biermaier is a product of Catholic Benedictine education beginning in elementary education in Browerville, Minnesota. S. Ann Marie earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from the College of Saint Benedict and a doctor of education. in educational leadership with a cognate in higher education from the University of North Dakota. She has taught in K-6 education and classes at the college level, as well as in the adult education program in the Benedictine University College in Nassau, Bahamas.
Ann Marie served as principal in elementary education, chair of the education department at CSB and rector and dean of Benedictine University College, Nassau, Bahamas. She chaired several reviews of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Minnesota Board of Teaching (BOT). The focus of her dissertation was on the "Influence of Mission statements on Teacher Education Programs at Two Church-Related Undergraduate Institutions."
Ann Marie is currently a member of the American Benedictine Academy (ABA), a member of Bridgefolk: Mennonites and Catholics in Dialogue, and a board member of the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research. She is director of the Studium program of Saint Benedict's Monastery.
Sister Colleen Quinlivan is a native of St. Cloud, Minnesota., and was educated by the Benedictine sisters from grade school through college. She graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with a Bachelor of Arts. in social work and moved to Maryland to work at a residential Benedictine school for exceptional children prior to entering the Benedictine Sisters in Ridgely, Maryland. She earned an Master of Science. degree in counseling and human relations from Villanova University, and ministered at Saint Elizabeth High School in Wilmington, Delaware., as a school counselor, teacher, and campus minister for 15 years. She also served in vocation ministry and administration for the Ridgely community.
In 2016, S. Colleen transferred her membership to Saint Benedict's Monastery, St. Joseph, Minnesota. Currently, she serves as the community secretary for Saint Benedict's Monastery. She also serves on the St. Cloud Hospital Board of Directors.
Sister Joan Lescinski served as the 13th president of St. Ambrose University, the first woman to lead the university in its history, taking office in the summer of 2007 and retiring after 14 years in August of 2021. Lescinski is a native of Albany, NY, where she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet (CSJ) at the age of 18. She earned her undergraduate degree in English, and a master's in English Literature from the College of St. Rose, and her Ph.D. in British Literature from Brown University.
Sister Lisa Rose graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in the fall of 1982 with a degree in home economics and entered Saint Benedict's Monastery in September 1983.
She worked as an LPN in a variety of health care settings during the early years of her monastic life. Some of this health care ministry was within her own community retirement centers followed by long-term care centers in the area. Her most recent health care experience was in spiritual care, having time for conversations and social events with the residents. During this time, she attended classes at Saint John's School of Theology in preparation for spiritual direction ministry. In February 2016, she was appointed the director of vocation ministry for Saint Benedict's Monastery.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admission Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate Director of Admission
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to the President